P. Scott Shearer, Vice President

June 20, 2016

1 Min Read
Meat industry supports U.S. economy by over $1 trillion

The U.S. meat and poultry industry accounts for over $1 trillion in total economic output or 5.6% of gross domestic product according to a new economic impact study by the North American Meat Institute. Barry Carpenter, president of NAMI, said, “The companies and the people that produce, process, distribute and sell nutritious meat and poultry products are an essential part of the U.S. economy. We are proud that we provide millions of quality jobs in every state and every sector of the U.S. economy and that these jobs ensure people in North America and around the world have access to our high quality, nutritious and affordable products.” 

Key findings of the study:

  • The meat and poultry industry generated an estimated $1.02 trillion in U.S. economic activity.

  • Companies that produce, process, distribute and sell meat and poultry products employ nearly 1.9 million people and generate another 3.6 million jobs in supplier and ancillary industries.

  • The industry and its employees pay over $43.96 billion in state taxes including property, income and sales. 

  • Industry workers earned $71.6 billion in annual wages and benefits.

  • California, Texas and Illinois are the top three states in terms of direct meat and poultry output.

The economic analysis was completed by John Dunham & Associates.

About the Author(s)

P. Scott Shearer

Vice President, Bockorny Group, Inc.

Scott Shearer is vice president of the Bockorny Group Inc., a leading bipartisan government affairs consulting firm in Washington, D.C. With more than 30 years experience in government and corporate relations in state and national arenas, he is recognized as a leader in agricultural trade issues, having served as co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for U.S.-China Trade and co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for Trade Promotion Authority. Scott was instrumental in the passage of China Permanent Normal Trade Relations and TPA. He is past chairman of the USDA-USTR Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products and was a member of the USAID Food Security Advisory Committee. Prior to joining the Bockorny Group, Scott served as director of national relations for Farmland Industries Inc., as well as USDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs (1993-96), serving as liaison for the Secretary of Agriculture and the USDA to Congress.

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